Database hybrid search blends Full-Text Search with Vector Search, providing a powerful tool for modern AI needs. Users gain better results when both search methods work together. Database hybrid search improves accuracy and relevance. TiDB Cloud Starter stands out as a leader in database hybrid search for intelligent applications.
How Database Hybrid Search Works
Full-Text Search and Vector Search
Hybrid search combines two powerful methods: full-text search and vector search. Full-text search matches keywords in documents. This method works well when users know the exact words they want to find. Sometimes, full-text search returns results that include the keywords but do not match the meaning of the query. Vector search uses mathematical representations called embeddings. These embeddings help the system find documents that are semantically similar to the query, even if the exact keywords are missing.
Full-text search relies on keyword matching. It may show documents that contain the keywords but do not answer the user’s question.
Vector search finds documents with similar meanings. It uses embeddings to compare the query and the documents.
Hybrid search combines both methods. This approach improves accuracy and relevance by returning results that match both the keywords and the meaning.
Hybrid search increases the chances of finding the best answer. Users benefit from both precise keyword matching and deep semantic understanding. Vector-based semantic search helps users discover information that traditional keyword search might miss.
Hybrid Search in TiDB
TiDB supports hybrid search across structured, unstructured, and vector data. The platform allows users to run full-text search and vector search in a single query. This unified approach makes it easier to build intelligent applications. Developers can use TiDB to search for keywords, find semantically similar documents, and filter results based on structured data.
TiDB enables semantic search for knowledge graphs and agent memory. The system supports multi-lingual full-text search, so users can search in different languages without extra configuration. The platform’s distributed SQL engine handles high-throughput writes and low-latency reads. This ensures fast and consistent results for AI workloads.
Tip: Developers can use the pytidb Python SDK to implement hybrid search in their applications. The SDK provides easy-to-use APIs for both full-text search and vector search.
Hybrid search in TiDB helps large language models (LLMs) retrieve relevant information quickly. The system supports graph-based reasoning, which allows users to trace relationships and connect ideas. TiDB makes it possible to store and analyze feedback from retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications. This helps improve future search results.
Why Hybrid Search Matters
Enhanced Relevance and Flexibility
Hybrid search improves search relevance by combining keyword-based and semantic search methods. This approach allows systems to understand both the intent and the meaning behind user queries. Users receive results that match their exact terms and also capture the context of their questions. Hybrid search increases search precision and accuracy, making document retrieval more effective for AI workloads.
Hybrid search supports practical scenarios such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and intelligent agents. In these cases, the system embeds user queries to find similar document chunks using semantic similarity. It also processes queries through keyword-based methods to retrieve relevant chunks. The results from both methods are combined and deduplicated, ensuring the most relevant information is sent to the language model for response generation. This process increases search relevance and helps AI agents deliver accurate answers.
One Database for all
TiDB provides a unified platform for hybrid search. Developers can perform keyword, vector, and structured searches within a single database. This integration simplifies the architecture and improves search relevance. Users do not need to manage multiple databases for different search types.
TiDB supports multi-lingual full-text search, enabling users to search content in different languages without extra configuration. This feature increases search relevance for global applications. The platform also supports agent memory and state management, which helps intelligent agents personalize responses and improve search precision.
Reduce Operational Overhead and Costs
Hybrid search in TiDB reduces operational overhead and costs. The cloud-based architecture follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing businesses to scale resources according to demand. Developers benefit from real-time performance, high-throughput writes, and low-latency reads. The unified platform eliminates the need for multiple databases, lowering maintenance costs and simplifying deployment.
Hybrid search enables organizations to build intelligent applications quickly and efficiently. The system supports secure retrieval with built-in access control and encryption. TiDB allows users to store and analyze feedback from RAG applications, improving future search relevance and intent detection.
Database hybrid search transforms AI applications by improving data retrieval and relevance. TiDB offers a unified, scalable solution for hybrid search needs. Organizations can benefit by following these recommendations:
Integrate vector databases for better contextual understanding.
Use high-quality data and hybrid search methods.
Plan for resource allocation and skilled support.
Consider open source technologies for scalability.
FAQ
What makes TiDB different from a regular vector database?
TiDB combines full-text, vector, and structured search in one platform. Users can run hybrid queries and get more relevant results.
Can TiDB handle real-time AI applications?
Yes. TiDB supports high-throughput writes and low-latency reads. It works well for real-time RAG and intelligent agent workloads.
Does TiDB support multi-lingual search?
TiDB enables multi-lingual full-text search. Users can search in different languages without extra setup. This feature helps global applications.